Patna: Bihar has once again made headlines. The state has ranked first in free medicine supply across government hospitals for the eleventh consecutive month.
This achievement is based on data from the Drugs and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) portal, maintained by the Central Government.
Commitment to Public Health
Health Minister Mangal Pandey proudly shared this milestone. He credited it to the state’s strong commitment to improving public health infrastructure and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all.
“We are building new hospitals and appointing health workers across Bihar. Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, we are making healthcare accessible and timely,” said Pandey.
According to DVDMS data, Bihar scored an impressive 82.13 points, followed by:
- Rajasthan: 78.61 points
- Punjab: 73.28 points
This ranking reflects consistent supply and distribution of free medicines to patients in need, making Bihar a national leader in public health service delivery.
Growth Since 2006: From 47 to 611 Medicines
Bihar’s free medicine distribution policy began in 2006. Back then, only 47 types of medicines were available.
Today, the list includes:
- 611 types of essential medicines
- 20 special medications
- 132 medical devices and consumables
“Now, every patient visiting a government hospital in Bihar gets required medicines completely free of charge,” Pandey added.
Better Health Outcomes in Bihar
This improvement in public health infrastructure has had a powerful impact on health indicators in Bihar:
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Reduced from 365 (in 2005) to 91
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Now at 27, equal to the national average
- Under-5 Mortality Rate: Reduced to 29, better than national average
- Neonatal Mortality Rate: At 19, also matching national figures
These numbers highlight the positive impact of Bihar’s healthcare reforms.
Boost in Institutional Deliveries and Vaccination
The state government’s push for institutional deliveries has reduced the number of home births.
In addition, vaccination coverage in Bihar has reached a phenomenal 95%, according to data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS).
Ayushman Bharat Success in Bihar
Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, Bihar has generated over 4 crore Ayushman cards.
With this, the state ranks third in India in terms of the number of beneficiaries registered. These cards provide cashless health insurance coverage, helping lakhs of families get free treatment.
Model for Other States
Bihar’s success in public healthcare isn’t just a state-level story—it’s a national model. Other states can learn from its structured and sustained approach to free medicine distribution and improving health metrics.
From ensuring medicine availability to building a robust public health infrastructure, Bihar is setting the standard for healthcare delivery in India.
Conclusion: A Quiet Revolution in Healthcare
Bihar’s rise as a leader in free medicine supply shows what strong political will and efficient systems can achieve.
With better access to medicines, improved health indicators, and rising public satisfaction, Bihar’s healthcare story is a silent revolution—one that deserves nationwide applause.